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Lake near Smithers. Image courtesy of Destination BC, credit Grant Harder
Sea to Sky Highway. Image courtesy of Destination BC
Painter's Lodge at night. Image courtesy of Painter's Lodge, credit Derek Ford
Vancouver panorama. Image courtesy of Destination BC, credit Albert Normandin
Native Canadian Culture
A Tailor-Made Fly-Drive Holiday to British Columbia
History can be found in abundance in this drive which includes the cities of Vancouver and Victoria, a waterfront stay in Campbell River, a full day travelling the Inside Passage aboard the BC Ferry and so much more. Northern British Columbia is sparsely populated and filled with lush, green forests and mountain ranges. Much of the gold rush era's routes are embedded in the area and there are heritage buildings and prospector towns to be explored. It is home to cowboy country and there are ranch lands set in spectacular scenery. Experience rich culture and history on this driving holiday.
Drive The Yellowhead Highway which links Prince Rupert and Jasper; our route includes the stretch between Prince Rupert and Prince George.
Prince Rupert has a great collection of totems and you can see carvers of aboriginal art in the First Nations Carving Shed. Cow Bay is one of the oldest parts of the city, with galleries and seafood restaurants along the water.
Named for the hazel bushes that covered the area, the three Hazelton towns are located between Prince Rupert and Smithers. They are extremely interesting and have retained their early charm. ‘Ksan Historical Village and Museum recreates a Gitskan village with painted longhouses, massive totems, ‘Ksan art and Gitskan artists at work. Visit nearby historic sites and the native communities of Kispiox, Kitseguecla, Kitwanga.
Beneath Hudson Bay Mountain, Smithers provides easy access to alpine lakes and meadows – the trail to Crater Lake leads through meadows bursting with wildflowers in summer. Driftwood Canyon shale beds hold highly significant and rare fossils.
Between Smithers and Prince George, Burns Lake, in the heart of the Lakes District, has lakeside drives and boat tours. Nearby, search for precious specimens at Eagle Creek Agate-Opal site. Fraser Lake, the ‘White Swan Capital’, has hundreds of migrating trumpeter swans in spring and autumn.
Situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, Prince George was first settled by the Carrier Indians. Today this thriving community is home to the University of Northern BC. Sawmills and other wood processing plants are the main industry here, and there are numerous museums, parks and activities to enjoy. Native culture and art are prominent, visit the PG Native Art Gallery on 3rd Avenue, and some of the many gift shops downtown.
The mountain town of Whistler is a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, but in summer it is enjoyed by hikers and mountain bikers, as well as less adventurous visitors who simply enjoy the stunning surroundings. Perhaps ride the 'Peak to Peak' cable car.
Drive the stunning Sea to Sky Highway south to Vancouver.
Your Holiday Includes
Flights, accommodation, BC Ferry Port Hardy to Prince Rupert (not daily service), and car rental.
Suggested Itinerary/Excursions
Vancouver, 1 night
Victoria, 3 nights
Campbell River, 2 nights
Port Hardy, 1 night
BC Ferry Port Hardy to Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, 1 night
Smithers, 2 nights
Prince George, 2 nights
100 Mile House, 1 night
Whistler, 2 nights
North Vancouver, 3 nights
Accommodation Details
A combination of smart city hotels, rustic lodges and simple hotel/motel properties. Choice of city accommodation is flexible to suit your preferences.
We recommend Painter's Lodge in Campbell River - please see our Accommodation section for details.
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Totem being carved, Port Hardy. Image courtesy of Destination BC, credit Shayd Johnson
Whistler Village at night. Image courtesy of Destination BC credit Albert Normandin